Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi has recounted a dramatic episode involving former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, revealing that Singh once expressed profound distress over perceived attacks on the Election Commission's integrity.
In a candid discussion about his new book, "India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir," Quraishi shared that Singh, in a moment of intense emotion, told him, "If that is what you think, I'll commit suicide." This incident, according to Quraishi, underscores Singh's deep respect for the independence and credibility of India's electoral body.
The Uttar Pradesh Election Controversy
The incident dates back to an Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh. During the campaign, then Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid announced that the Congress party would increase reservations for minorities if voted into power. This statement drew a complaint from the BJP to the Election Commission, triggering a formal inquiry.
After four days of hearings, the Election Commission concluded that Khurshid had violated the Model Code of Conduct and imposed a censure, the maximum punishment available under the code. Following the EC's decision, Quraishi noted that several Congress ministers and leaders began making "loose talk" and critical remarks against both the Commission and him personally.
"I don't mind people criticising me, but condemning the Election Commission was not acceptable," Quraishi stated, expressing his concern over the erosion of institutional respect.
Manmohan Singh's Emotional Call
Alarmed by the sustained criticism, Quraishi conveyed his concerns to Harish Khare, who was then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's media adviser. Quraishi warned that such "loose talk" was unacceptable and threatened to speak to the media about the situation, implying it would put the government in a difficult position. He explicitly stated that his message was intended for the Prime Minister.
The very next day, Quraishi received what he described as "almost a panic call" from Manmohan Singh, who urgently requested a meeting. They met that evening at Singh's residence.
"When I reached, he was already waiting at his door. He said, 'Mr. Quraishi, Harish has told me about your conversation last night. If that is what you think, I'll commit suicide.'"
Quraishi expressed his shock at Singh's emotional reaction, clarifying that his intent was merely to bring the inappropriate remarks of Singh's ministers to his attention. He reminded the Prime Minister of his consistent support for the Election Commission and his frequent assertion that India's global prestige stemmed from the fairness of its elections.
Commitment to EC Autonomy
According to Quraishi, Manmohan Singh assured him that he would caution his ministers against attacking the Election Commission. Singh also extended an open invitation for Quraishi to contact him directly with any future complaints or problems.
Quraishi emphasized that this dramatic exchange highlighted Singh's profound sensitivity and unwavering respect for the Election Commission's autonomy and credibility. Any aspersion cast on the poll body, he concluded, was simply not acceptable to the former Prime Minister.
This anecdote is one of 100 personal and political stories featured in S.Y. Quraishi's latest book.